Bulimia nervosa can cause permanent and life-threatening side effects such as damage to the esophagus, hair loss, dry skin, and insomnia. It is an eating disorder that commonly occurs in adolescents and is characterized by binge eating and compulsive vomiting. The frequent forced vomiting causes most of the side effects, including damage to the vocal cords, teeth, salivary glands, and esophagus. Psychological effects can also lead to physical effects such as high blood pressure, stomach pain, and body aches. Even after recovery, the side effects can persist for years, and some may require surgery or lead to fertility problems.
There are many side effects of bulimia nervosa that can have permanent and even life-threatening consequences. Side effects can include damage to the esophagus, hair loss, dry skin, and insomnia. Some of the side effects may go away after you recover from the illness, but other long-term side effects may continue to cause problems even after treatment has taken place and the behavior has stopped.
Bulimia is an eating disorder that occurs most often in adolescent boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 20. It is a binge eating disorder that is commonly accompanied by compulsive vomiting to prevent weight gain. Other behaviors are also common, such as excessive use of laxatives or periods of extreme fasting to counteract bouts of binge eating. Many bulimics will also go through periods of anorexia where they fast for long periods before bingeing and purging again.
The frequent forced vomiting of bulimics is the cause of most of the side effects. The vomit contains caustic stomach acid and can cause damage to the vocal cords, teeth, salivary glands, and esophagus. It can also lead to recurrent gastric reflux even if not purged, peptic ulcer disease, and dehydration. Binging and purging are also extremely stressful on the body and can lead to other side effects not related to stomach acid. Hair loss, insomnia, dry skin, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness are common side effects caused by malnutrition and the stress bulimia places on the body.
Women can also suffer from further side effects including irregular periods and other menstrual dysfunctions which can even lead to infertility. Ultimately bulimia can be fatal, with the disorder causing cardiovascular problems that in some cases can lead to complete heart failure. Even bulimics who use laxatives and diuretics instead of vomiting can suffer from serious side effects of bulimia. If overused, these drugs can damage the intestinal tract, cause chronic constipation, and even kidney damage.
The mental side effects of bulimia are as far-reaching and serious as the physical effects. Bulimics usually already suffer from low self-esteem and body image, and the practice of binge eating and purging can exacerbate these feelings of worthlessness and self-hatred. These psychological effects can manifest as wild mood swings, increased anxiety and severe depression. Psychological side effects can also lead to physical effects such as high blood pressure, stomach pain and body aches.
Even after a person has recovered from the disorder, the side effects of bulimia can persist for years. The damage caused by stomach acid lasts long after a person stops purging and may require surgery to correct. Kidney damage and even kidney disease that may require a transplant or removal are also possible long-term side effects of bulimia. In women the hormonal side effects of the disease can sometimes be permanent, often leading to fertility problems later in life.
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